JP5481908B2 - Image reading apparatus, control apparatus therefor, program, and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus (image scanner) that optically reads a document.

  As an image reading apparatus, a linear light emitting region is formed, light is applied to the original from one direction, and light reflected from the original is read to generate image data obtained by optically reading the original. (Patent Document 1). In such an image reading apparatus, since the document is irradiated with light from one direction, blurring of an image caused by light (flare) irregularly reflected on the surface of the document can be suppressed and the document can be read clearly.

JP 2009-27467 A

  However, since the conventional image reading apparatus can read a document clearly, if a document with wrinkles or a document with surface irregularities is read, unnecessary wrinkles and unevenness of the document are also detected. There was also a problem of reading.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reading the surface shape of a document in a desired manner based on the above-described problems.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A control device according to Application Example 1 is a control device that controls an image reading device that optically reads a document, and includes first and second illumination units provided in the image reading device. And an illumination control unit that controls the first and second illumination units that respectively form linear light-emitting regions and irradiate the original with light from directions intersecting with each other, and the illumination control unit includes the first illumination unit. In the first mode of irradiating the original on one of the second illumination unit and the first mode unit for controlling the first and second illumination units, and in both the first and second illumination units In the second mode for irradiating the original, the second mode unit for controlling the first and second illumination units, and either the first or second mode for optically reading the original A mode selection unit that selects an image based on an instruction input from the user Characterized in that it comprises a. According to the control device of Application Example 1, the influence of the surface shape of the document on the read image can be adjusted by switching the illumination mode for illuminating the document according to the user's request. As a result, the surface shape such as wrinkles or irregularities in the original can be read in a desired manner.

  [Application Example 2] The control device according to Application Example 1, wherein the mode selection unit further executes the second mode before the mode selection unit selects one of the first mode and the second mode. A preceding reading unit that obtains a preceding image obtained by optically reading the document, a first reading unit that presents the preceding image to the user, and receives an instruction input for selecting one of the first and second modes from the user. 1 user interface unit. According to the control device of application example 2, the user can select a mode with reference to a preceding image in which the influence of the surface shape of the document is reduced.

  Application Example 3 In the control device according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, the mode selection unit further includes an amount of light emitted from each of the first and second illumination units, and the first and second A second user interface unit that receives an instruction input for adjusting at least one of the distribution of light distributed in the light emitting region in each of the two illumination units from the user may be included. According to the control device of Application Example 3, the user can adjust the influence of the surface shape of the document on the captured image.

  Application Example 4 In the control device according to Application Example 1 to Application Example 3, in which the mode selection unit further optically reads the document in each of the first and second modes. A third user interface unit that presents a sample image predicted to the user may be included. According to the control device of application example 4, the user can select a mode by comparing sample images of the respective modes.

  Application Example 5 The image reading apparatus of Application Example 5 is an image reading apparatus that optically reads a document, and forms linear light-emitting areas, and irradiates the document with light from directions intersecting each other. A first and second illumination unit; and an illumination control unit that controls the first and second illumination units, wherein the illumination control unit scans the original on one of the first and second illumination units. In the first mode for irradiating, the first mode unit for controlling the first and second illuminating units, and the second mode for irradiating the document with both the first and second illuminating units, The second mode unit that controls the first and second illumination units and the first and second modes are selected based on an instruction input from the user when the original is optically read. And a mode selection unit. According to the image reading apparatus of Application Example 5, the influence of the surface shape of the document on the read image can be adjusted by switching the illumination mode for illuminating the document according to the user's request. As a result, the surface shape such as wrinkles or irregularities in the original can be read in a desired manner.

  Application Example 6 A program according to Application Example 6 is a program for causing a computer to realize a function of controlling an image reading apparatus that optically reads a document, and the computer is a first program provided in the image reading apparatus. And a second illuminating unit, each of which forms a linear light emitting region, and realizes an illumination control function for controlling the first and second illuminating units that irradiate the original with light from directions intersecting each other. The illumination control function is a function of controlling the first and second illumination units in a first mode in which one of the first and second illumination units irradiates the original; and A function for controlling the first and second illumination units in a second mode in which both the first and second illumination units irradiate the document, and when the document is optically read, the first 1st and 2nd One of the modes, characterized in that it comprises a function for selecting, based on an instruction input from the user. According to the image reading apparatus of Application Example 6, the influence of the surface shape of the document on the read image can be adjusted by switching the illumination mode for illuminating the document according to the user's request. As a result, the surface shape such as wrinkles or irregularities in the original can be read in a desired manner.

  Application Example 7 A control method of Application Example 7 is a control method for controlling an image reading apparatus that optically reads a document, and a computer includes first and second illumination units provided in the image reading apparatus. Each of which forms a linear light-emitting region and includes an illumination control process for controlling the first and second illumination units that irradiate the original with light from directions intersecting each other, the illumination control process comprising: When the document is optically read, the first mode in which one of the first and second illumination units irradiates the document and the first and second illumination units irradiate the document. The method includes a step of selecting one of the second modes based on an instruction input from a user. According to the control method of Application Example 7, the influence of the surface shape of the document on the read image can be adjusted by switching the illumination mode for illuminating the document according to the user's request. As a result, the surface shape such as wrinkles or irregularities in the original can be read in a desired manner.

  The form of the present invention is not limited to the control apparatus, the image reading apparatus, the program, and the control method, and can be applied to other forms. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance structure of an image reading system. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the internal structure of an image scanner. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the detailed structure of an illuminating device. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the detailed structure of an illuminating device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the personal computer in an image reading system. It is a flowchart which shows the image reading control process which the personal computer of an image reading system performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of GUI shown to a user in a mode designation | designated reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the image reading control process which the personal computer of the image reading system in a 1st modification performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of GUI shown to a user in the mode designation | designated reception process in a 1st modification. It is a flowchart which shows the image reading control process which the personal computer of the image reading system in a 2nd modification performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of GUI shown to a user in the mode designation | designated reception process in a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of GUI shown to a user in a mode process reception process.

  In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, an image reading system to which the present invention is applied will be described below.

A. Example:
A1. Configuration of image reading system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the image reading system 1. The image reading system 1 is a system that generates image data based on a document 90. The image reading system 1 includes an image scanner 10 and a personal computer 20.

  The image scanner 10 of the image reading system 1 is a flat bed type image reading apparatus, and optically reads a document 90 to generate image data. The image scanner 10 includes a main body housing 110, a lid housing 120, a document table 130, an image reading unit 140, a main control unit 150, a device interface 180, and a user interface 190.

  The main body housing 110 of the image scanner 10 accommodates the image reading unit 140. In the present embodiment, the main body casing 110 is a rectangular parallelepiped box.

  The document table 130 of the image scanner 10 is provided on the main body casing 110 and constitutes a plane on which the document 90 is placed, and includes a transparent portion 132 formed of a transparent material as a part of the plane. In the present embodiment, the document table 130 is provided on the upper surface of the main body casing 110, and the transparent portion 132 of the document table 130 is a rectangular colorless transparent glass smaller than the upper surface of the main body casing 110.

  The lid housing 120 of the image scanner 10 is a lid body that can be opened and closed above the document table 130, and is provided in the main body housing 110. In this embodiment, the lid housing 120 has a larger shape than the transparent portion 132 of the document table 130 and is pivotally attached to the main body housing 110.

  The image reading unit 140 of the image scanner 10 scans and optically reads a document placed on the transparent unit 132 of the document table 130, and generates image data representing the document. Details of the configuration of the image reading unit 140 will be described later.

  The device interface 180 of the image scanner 10 exchanges information with the personal computer 20. In this embodiment, the device interface 180 is an interface that conforms to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but may be an interface connected to the personal computer 20 via a network in other embodiments.

  A user interface 190 of the image scanner 10 exchanges information with a user who uses the image scanner 10. In the present embodiment, the user interface 190 includes an operation button that receives an operation input from the user. In another embodiment, the user interface 190 may further include an image display unit that displays various information for the user.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the image scanner 10. The image reading unit 140 of the image scanner 10 includes a carriage 142, a transport mechanism unit 144, and a guide shaft 146.

  The carriage 142 of the image reading unit 140 is a carriage that carries various components for optically reading the document 90 and moves reciprocally relative to the document 90 along the scanning direction DS. The guide shaft 146 of the image reading unit 140 is an axis along the scanning direction DS, and supports the carriage 142 that reciprocates along the scanning direction DS.

  The conveyance mechanism unit 144 of the image reading unit 140 is a mechanism that moves the carriage 142 relative to the document 90 along the scanning direction DS based on an instruction from the main control unit 150. In the present embodiment, the transport mechanism unit 144 is a belt-driven transport mechanism that includes a drive motor, a timing belt, a pulley, and the like.

  The image reading unit 140 includes illumination devices 40 a and 40 b, reflecting mirrors 51, 52, 53 and 54, a lens unit 55, and an imaging device 56 as various components mounted on the carriage 142.

  The illuminating devices 40a and 40b of the image reading unit 140 form first light-emitting regions based on instructions from the main control unit 150, and irradiate the document 90 with light from directions DLa and DLb intersecting each other. And a second illumination unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the direction DLa of light emitted from the illumination device 40a intersects the direction DLb of light emitted from the illumination device 40b, and the light emitted from each of the illumination devices 40a and 40b is a document. The light is irradiated to substantially the same position on the 90 reading surface.

  FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the illumination devices 40a and 40b. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the lighting devices 40a and 40b. The illumination devices 40 a and 40 b are provided in an illumination housing 410 that constitutes a part of the carriage 142. The illuminating device 40a includes a light emitting substrate 420a, a diffuser 430a, and reflectors 442a and 444a.

  The light emitting board 420a of the lighting device 40a is a long printed board on which a plurality of light emitting elements 422a are mounted side by side. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 422a is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits white light, but other light sources may be used in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the light emitting substrate 420a is mounted with 20 light emitting elements 422a arranged in a line, but in other embodiments, the number of the light emitting elements 422a may be changed, or the light emitting elements 422a may be arranged in two or more lines. It may be mounted side by side.

  The diffuser 430 a of the illumination device 40 a is a light diffusing member that is formed of a long transparent or milky white synthetic resin and diffuses light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 422 a on the light emitting substrate 420 a and emits it to the document 90. The diffuser 430a includes an elongated long surface 432a along the arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements 422a, and a linear light emitting region is formed by emitting light from the elongated surface 432a.

  The reflectors 442a and 444a of the illumination device 40a are light reflecting members that reflect light emitted from the light emitting element 422a of the light emitting substrate 420a to the long surface 432a of the diffuser 430a. In the present embodiment, the reflectors 442a and 444a are synthetic resins that are plated. However, in other embodiments, the reflectors 442a and 444a may be metal plates or mirrors.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration of the illumination device 40b is the same as that of the illumination device 40a except that the illumination device 40b is symmetrical with the illumination device 40a so as to face the illumination device 40a. In addition, in this specification and drawing, the code | symbol of each member which comprises the illuminating device 40b replaces "a" with "b" among the code | symbol attached | subjected to the member of the corresponding illuminating device 40a.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the reflecting mirrors 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the image reading unit 140 reflect the reflected light reflected from the document 90 to the lens unit 55. The lens unit 55 of the image reading unit 140 includes a plurality of lenses arranged in a line, and forms an image of the reflected light from the reflecting mirror 54 on the imaging device 56. The imaging device 56 of the image reading unit 140 converts the reflected light imaged by the lens unit 55 into an electrical signal based on an instruction from the main control unit 150. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 56 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as an imaging element, but in other embodiments, other imaging elements such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) may be used. In the present embodiment, the path RL of the reflected light that reaches the imaging device 56 from the document 90 passes between the illumination devices 40a and 40b, and then sequentially passes through the reflecting mirrors 51, 52, 53, and 54, and then the lens unit 55. To.

  The main control unit 150 of the image scanner 10 is electrically connected to and controls each unit of the image reading unit 140, the device interface 180, and the user interface 190 in the image scanner 10. Specifically, the main control unit 150 performs lighting control for controlling the lighting of each of the lighting devices 40a and 40b, conveyance control for controlling driving of the conveyance mechanism unit 144, imaging control for controlling imaging of the imaging device 56, and the like. Run. In this embodiment, the main control unit 150 can communicate with the personal computer 20 through the device interface 180 and executes various control processes based on instructions from the personal computer 20.

  When the original 90 is read by the image scanner 10, the main control unit 150 synchronizes with the movement of the carriage 142 while moving the carriage 142 in the scanning direction DS with at least one of the illumination devices 40a and 40b lit. An electric signal is acquired from the imaging device 56 at the intervals. Thereafter, the main control unit 150 generates image data based on the electrical signal from the imaging device 56. Thereafter, the main control unit 150 transfers the image data to the personal computer 20 through the device interface 180.

  In this embodiment, the function of the main control unit 150 is realized by the operation of a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) based on software. The electronic circuit of the control unit 150 may be realized by operating based on the physical circuit configuration.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the personal computer 20 in the image reading system 1. The personal computer 20 includes a CPU 210, a storage device 220, a device interface 230, a display 252, a keyboard 254, and a mouse 256.

  In the personal computer 20, the CPU 210 executes various arithmetic processes based on programs stored in the storage device 220, and the storage device 220 stores data processed by the CPU 210. The program stored in the storage device 220 includes a scanner driver 284 as one of application programs in addition to an operating system (OS) 282. The scanner driver 284 is a program for causing the CPU 210 to realize a function for controlling the image scanner 10, and the personal computer 20 operates as a control device for controlling the image scanner 10 by the CPU 210 operating based on the scanner driver 284. Function.

  The personal computer 20 includes an image reading control unit 810 as a function realized by the CPU 210 operating based on the scanner driver 284. The image reading control unit 810 controls the operation of the image scanner 10 via the device interface 230, and also operates as an illumination control unit that controls the illumination devices 40a and 40b. The image reading control unit 810 includes a first mode unit 811, a second mode unit 812, and a mode selection unit 814.

  The first mode unit 811 of the image reading control unit 810 controls the illuminating devices 40a and 40b in the “one-line illumination mode” which is the first mode for irradiating the original 90 with one of the illuminating devices 40a and 40b. The second mode unit 812 of the image reading control unit 810 controls the illumination devices 40a and 40b in the “two-line illumination mode” that is the second mode in which the document 90 is irradiated by both the illumination devices 40a and 40b. The mode selection unit 814 of the image reading control unit 810 selects either the 1-line illumination mode or the 2-line illumination mode based on an instruction input from the user when the document 90 is optically read.

  The device interface 230 of the personal computer 20 exchanges information with the image scanner 10. In this embodiment, the device interface 230 is an interface that conforms to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but may be an interface connected to the image scanner 10 via a network in other embodiments.

  The display 252 of the personal computer 20 is a user interface that displays an image toward the user. A keyboard 254 and a mouse 256 of the personal computer 20 are user interfaces that receive an instruction input from a user.

A2. Image reading system operation:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the image reading control process (step S10) executed by the personal computer 20 of the image reading system 1. The image reading control process (step S10) is a process for controlling the operation of the image scanner 10. In the present embodiment, the personal computer 20 executes the image reading control process (step S10) when the CPU 210 operates as the image reading control unit 810 based on the scanner driver 284.

  When the image reading control process (step S10) is started, the personal computer 20 executes an initial setting process (step S101) for establishing a connection with the image scanner 10.

  After the initial setting process (step S101), the personal computer 20 determines whether there is a start instruction indicating the start of reading of the document 90 (step S102). In the present embodiment, after the user places the document 90 on the document table 130 of the image scanner 10, the personal computer 20 determines whether there is a start instruction based on the instruction input input to the user interface 190 of the image scanner 10. To do.

  When there is a start instruction (step S102: “YES”), the personal computer 20 executes a mode designation receiving process (step S104). In the mode designation acceptance process (step S104), the personal computer 20 accepts designation from the user as to which of the 1-line illumination mode and the 2-line illumination mode is executed. In the present embodiment, in the mode designation receiving process (step S104), the personal computer 20 receives a mode designation from the user through a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as “GUI”).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the GUI 70 presented to the user in the mode designation receiving process (step S104). In the personal computer 20, the GUI 70 is displayed on the display 252 and accepts an instruction input from the user via the mouse 256. The GUI 70 includes input buttons 701, 702, 703, and 704, an execution button 708, and a cancel button 709. In this embodiment, when the input buttons 701, 702, 703, and 704 are clicked with the mouse 256, a black circle and a white circle are switched, and the black circle is selected and the white circle is not selected.

  The input button 701 of the GUI 70 is a user interface that accepts designation of the one-line illumination mode from the user, and the input button 704 of the GUI 70 is a user interface that accepts designation of the two-line illumination mode from the user. The input buttons 701 and 704 are set so that one is a black circle and the other is a white circle, and one of the one-line illumination mode and the two-line illumination mode is selected.

  The input button 702 of the GUI 70 is a user interface that accepts the designation of the lighting device 40a that is the preceding line illumination when the one-line illumination mode is selected, and the input button 703 of the GUI 70 selects the one-line illumination mode. In this case, the user interface accepts the designation of the illumination device 40b, which is the subsequent line illumination, from the user. The input button 702 and the input button 703 are effective when the input button 701 in the one-line illumination mode is selected, one is a black circle and the other is a white circle, and one of the illumination devices 40a and 40b is selected. Is set to

  The execution button 708 of the GUI 70 is a user interface that accepts an instruction input for determining the state of each input button from the user, and the execution button 708 of the GUI 70 is a user interface that accepts an instruction input to cancel reading of the document 90 from the user. For example, when the execution button 708 is clicked with the mouse 256 in the state shown in FIG. 7, the original 90 is read in the one-line illumination mode using the illumination device 40b.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 6, after the mode designation receiving process (step S <b> 104), the personal computer 20 operates either as the 1-line illumination mode or the 2-line illumination mode by the CPU 210 operating as the mode selection unit 814. Selection is performed based on an instruction input from the user in the designation receiving process (step S104) (step S105). In this embodiment, when the selection of the input button 701 is confirmed in the GUI 70, the one-line illumination mode is selected, and when the selection of the input button 704 is confirmed in the GUI 70, the two-line illumination mode is selected. In this embodiment, when the selection of the input button 702 is confirmed in the GUI 70, the one-line illumination mode using the lighting device 40a is selected, and when the selection of the input button 703 is confirmed in the GUI 70, the lighting device 40b is used. The selected one-line illumination mode is selected.

  When the 1-line illumination mode is selected (step S105: “A”), the personal computer 20 executes the 1-line illumination control process (step S106) when the CPU 210 operates as the first mode unit 811. In the one-line illumination control process (step S106), the personal computer 20 controls the illumination devices 40a and 40b in the one-line illumination mode in which the original 90 is irradiated on one of the illumination devices 40a and 40b.

  On the other hand, when the two-line illumination mode is selected (step S105: “B”), the personal computer 20 executes the two-line illumination control process (step S107) when the CPU 210 operates as the second mode unit 812. In the two-line illumination control process (step S107), the personal computer 20 controls the illumination devices 40a and 40b in the two-line illumination mode in which the original 90 is irradiated by both the illumination devices 40a and 40b.

  In the present embodiment, in the one-line illumination control process (step S106) and the two-line illumination control process (step S107), the personal computer 20 transmits control data for controlling the illumination devices 40a and 40b in each illumination mode to the device interface. 230 to the image scanner 10. Thereafter, the main control unit 150 of the image scanner 10 reads the document 90 based on the control data received from the personal computer 20, and transmits the image data generated by the reading to the personal computer 20.

  After the 1-line illumination control process (step S106) and the 2-line illumination control process (step S107), the personal computer 20 executes an image data storage process (step S108). In the present embodiment, in the image data storage process (step S108), the personal computer 20 stores the image data received from the image scanner 10 in the storage device 220. After the image data storage process (step S108), the personal computer 20 repeatedly executes the image reading control process (step S10) from the process (step S102) for determining whether or not there is a start instruction.

A3. effect:
According to the image reading system 1 described above, the influence of the surface shape of the original 90 on the read image is adjusted by switching the illumination mode of the illumination devices 40a and 40b that illuminate the original 90 according to the user's request. be able to. As a result, the surface shape such as wrinkles and irregularities on the original 90 can be read in a desired manner.

  For example, when the document 90 is a document, blurring due to flare at a boundary portion (edge) between a character and a margin is obtained by reading the document 90 in a one-line illumination mode in which the document 90 is irradiated by one of the illumination devices 40a and 40b. Can be suppressed. Further, when expressing the texture and texture of the original 90 with an image, the unevenness of the original 90 can be reflected in the read image by reading the original 90 in the one-line illumination mode.

  Further, when the original 90 is a photograph printed on silk-tone photographic paper, the original 90 is read in the two-line illumination mode in which the original 90 is irradiated by both of the lighting devices 40a and 40b, thereby obtaining a read image. It is possible to suppress a silky pattern. In addition, when the original 90 is a three-dimensional object in which a plurality of sheets are stacked, the original 90 is read in the two-line illumination mode in which the original 90 is irradiated by both of the lighting devices 40a and 40b, so that a shadow is not reflected on the read image. Can be prevented from entering. Further, when the original 90 is wrinkled, reading the original 90 in the two-line illumination mode in which the original 90 is irradiated by both of the illumination devices 40a and 40b prevents the read image from being wrinkled. be able to.

B. Variations:
B1. First modification:
The configuration of the image reading system 1 in the first modification is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. The operation of the image reading system 1 in the first modification is the same as that of the above-described embodiment except that the image reading control process executed by the personal computer 20 is different.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image reading control process (step S11) executed by the personal computer 20 of the image reading system 1 in the first modification. The image reading control process (step S11) is a process for controlling the operation of the image scanner 10. In this embodiment, the CPU 210 operates as the image reading control unit 810 based on the scanner driver 284, whereby the personal computer 20 executes the image reading control process (step S11).

  When the image reading control process (step S11) is started, the personal computer 20 executes an initial setting process (step S111) for establishing a connection with the image scanner 10. After the initial setting process (step S111), the personal computer 20 determines whether there is a start instruction indicating the start of reading of the document 90 (step S112).

  If there is a start instruction (step S112: “YES”), the personal computer 20 obtains a preceding image obtained by optically reading the document 90 in the two-line illumination mode prior to the selection of the illumination mode (step S112). S113) is executed. In the preceding reading process (step S113), the personal computer 20 controls the illuminating devices 40a and 40b in the two-line illumination mode in which both the illuminating devices 40a and 40b irradiate the document 90. Control data for controlling 40 a and 40 b is transmitted to the image scanner 10 through the device interface 230. Thereafter, the main control unit 150 of the image scanner 10 reads the document 90 based on the control data received from the personal computer 20, and transmits the image data generated by the reading to the personal computer 20. Thereafter, the personal computer 20 processes an image based on this image data as a preceding image.

  After the preceding reading process (step S113), the personal computer 20 executes a mode designation receiving process (step S114). In the mode designation acceptance process (step S114), the personal computer 20 accepts designation from the user as to which of the 1-line illumination mode and the 2-line illumination mode is executed. In the present embodiment, in the mode designation receiving process (step S114), the personal computer 20 receives the mode designation from the user through the GUI.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the GUI 71 presented to the user in the mode designation receiving process (step S114) in the first modification. The GUI 71 in the first modified example is the same as the GUI 70 in the above-described embodiment, except that the preceding image display unit 715 that displays the preceding image acquired in the preceding reading process (step S113) is provided. The preceding image display unit 715 of the GUI 71 is a user interface that presents the preceding image acquired in the preceding reading process (step S113) to the user. In the present embodiment, the preceding image display unit 715 is provided in the lower stage of the input button 704 that receives designation of the two-line illumination mode from the user.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 8, after the mode designation receiving process (step S <b> 114), the personal computer 20 operates either as the 1-line illumination mode or the 2-line illumination mode as the CPU 210 operates as the mode selection unit 814. Selection is made based on an instruction input from the user in the designation receiving process (step S114) (step S115).

  When the 1-line illumination mode is selected (step S115: “A”), the personal computer 20 executes the 1-line illumination control process (step S116) when the CPU 210 operates as the first mode unit 811. The one-line illumination control process (step S116) in the first modification is the same as the one-line illumination control process (step S106) in the above-described embodiment. After the one-line illumination control process (step S116), the personal computer 20 acquires image data obtained by reading the document 90 in the one-line illumination mode from the image scanner 10 and stores it in the storage device 220 (step S118).

  On the other hand, when the two-line illumination mode is selected (step S115: “B”), the personal computer 20 stores image data representing the preceding image acquired in the two-line illumination mode in the preceding reading process (step S113). Prepare as a target (step S117). Thereafter, the personal computer 20 stores the image data in the two-line illumination mode acquired in the preceding reading process (step S113) in the storage device 220 (step S118).

  According to the image reading system 1 in the first modified example described above, the illumination device 40a, 40b that illuminates the original 90 is switched according to the user's request, thereby changing the surface shape of the original 90 to the read image. You can adjust the impact of. In addition, since the GUI 71 includes a preceding image display unit 715 that displays a preceding image in the two-line illumination mode, the user performs illumination with reference to the preceding image in which the influence of the surface shape such as wrinkles and unevenness of the document 90 is reduced. A mode can be selected. In addition, when the two-line illumination mode is selected (step S115 “B”), the preceding image acquired in the two-line illumination mode is used in the preceding reading process (step S113), thereby improving the processing speed. Can be planned.

B2. Second modification:
The configuration of the image reading system 1 in the second modification is the same as that in the above-described embodiment. The operation of the image reading system 1 in the second modification is the same as that of the above-described embodiment except that the image reading control process executed by the personal computer 20 is different.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an image reading control process (step S12) executed by the personal computer 20 of the image reading system 1 in the second modified example. The image reading control process (step S12) is a process for controlling the operation of the image scanner 10. In the present embodiment, the personal computer 20 executes the image reading control process (step S12) when the CPU 210 operates as the image reading control unit 810 based on the scanner driver 284.

  In the image reading control process (step S12) in the second modification, a sample generation process (step S123) and a mode designation reception process (step S124) are substituted for the mode designation reception process (step S104) in the above-described embodiment. Except for the points to be executed, this is the same as the image reading process (step S10) in the above-described embodiment.

  In the image reading control process (step S12) in the second modification, when there is a start instruction (step S102: “YES”), the personal computer 20 scans the document 90 in each of the 1-line illumination mode and the 2-line illumination mode. A sample generation process (step S123) for generating a sample image predicted when optically read is executed.

  In the present embodiment, in the sample generation process (step S123), the personal computer 20 transmits control data for reading a part of the document 90 to the image scanner 10 in each of the 1-line illumination mode and the 2-line illumination mode. Two image data obtained by reading a part of the original 90 in each of the line illumination mode and the 2-line illumination mode are acquired from the image scanner 10. In the present embodiment, the sample image in the 1-line illumination mode is an image obtained by reading a part of the document 90 in the 1-line illumination mode using the illumination device 40a that is the front-stage line illumination. It may be an image obtained by reading a part of the original 90 in the one-line illumination mode using the illumination device 40b that is illumination, or two sample images in the one-line illumination mode using each of the illumination devices 40a and 40b. May be.

  After the sample generation process (step S123), the personal computer 20 executes a mode designation receiving process (step S124). In the mode designation acceptance process (step S124), the personal computer 20 accepts designation from the user as to which of the 1-line illumination mode and the 2-line illumination mode is executed. In the present embodiment, in the mode designation receiving process (step S124), the personal computer 20 receives the mode designation from the user through the GUI.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the GUI 72 presented to the user in the mode designation receiving process (step S124) in the second modification. The GUI 72 in the second modified example is the same as the GUI 70 in the above-described embodiment, except that the sample image display units 726 and 727 that display the sample image generated in the sample generation process (step S123) are provided. The sample image display unit 726 of the GUI 72 is a user interface that presents a sample image obtained by reading a part of the document 90 in the one-line illumination mode to the user, and the sample image display unit 727 of the GUI 72 is a document in the two-line illumination mode. It is a user interface which presents the sample image which read a part of 90 toward a user. In this embodiment, the sample image display units 726 and 727 are arranged side by side on the upper stage of the GUI 72.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 10, after the mode designation receiving process (step S <b> 124), the personal computer 20 operates either as the 1-line illumination mode or the 2-line illumination mode by the CPU 210 operating as the mode selection unit 814. Selection is made based on an instruction input from the user in the designation receiving process (step S124) (step S115). The subsequent processing is the same as the image reading processing (step S10) in the above-described embodiment.

  According to the image reading system 1 in the second modification described above, the surface shape of the original 90 is changed to the read image by switching the illumination mode by the illumination devices 40a and 40b that illuminate the original 90 according to the user's request. You can adjust the impact of. In addition, since the GPU 72 includes sample image display units 726 and 727 that display sample images in each of the 1-line illumination mode and the 2-line illumination mode, the user selects a mode by comparing the sample images in each mode. can do.

B3. Third modification:
The configuration and operation of the image reading system 1 in the third modified example are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, except that the GUI presented to the user in the mode process reception process (step S104) is different.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the GUI 73 presented to the user in the mode process reception process (step S104). In the personal computer 20, the GUI 73 is displayed on the display 252 and accepts an instruction input from the user via the mouse 256. The GUI 73 includes input buttons 732a and 732b, light amount adjustment units 734a and 734b, light distribution adjustment units 736a and 736b, an execution button 708, and a cancel button 709.

  The input button 732a of the GUI 73 is a user interface that accepts designation of a one-line illumination mode using the illumination device 40a that is the front-stage line illumination from the user, and the input button 732b of the GUI 73 uses the illumination device 40b that is the rear-stage line illumination. This is a user interface that accepts designation of a one-line illumination mode from a user. In this embodiment, the input buttons 732a and 732b are switched between a black circle and a white circle by clicking with the mouse 256, and the black circle is selected and the white circle is not selected. In this embodiment, the input buttons 732a and 732b are either in a state where one is a black circle and the other is a white circle, or both are white circles, and when both are white circles, the two-line illumination mode is selected. Is set to be.

  The light amount adjustment unit 734a of the GUI 73 is a user interface that accepts adjustment of the amount of light emitted from the illumination device 40a that is front-stage line illumination from the user, and the light amount adjustment unit 734b of the GUI 73 is irradiated from the illumination device 40b that is rear-stage line illumination. It is a user interface which accepts adjustment of the quantity of light to be performed from a user. In the present embodiment, the light amount adjustment units 734a and 734b include scales 7342a and 7342b that indicate the light amounts of the illumination devices 40a and 40b, respectively. The user can individually adjust the light amounts of the lighting devices 40a and 40b between 0% in the unlit state and 100% of the maximum light amount by dragging and moving each of the scales 7342a and 7342b with the mouse 256. It is.

  The light distribution adjustment unit 736a of the GUI 73 is a user interface that accepts adjustment of the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting elements 422a provided in the illuminating device 40a that is the preceding line illumination, and the light distribution adjustment unit 736b of the GUI 73. Is a user interface that accepts an adjustment of the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting elements 422b provided in the illumination device 40b, which is the rear line illumination, from the user. In this embodiment, the light distribution adjusting units 736a and 736b smoothly connect the light emission amounts of the light emitting elements 422a and 422b with the light emission amounts of the other adjacent light emitting elements 422a and 422b, and the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting elements 422a and 422b. Are provided with curves 7362a and 7362b, respectively. The user can individually adjust the distribution of the light distributed on the long surfaces 432a and 432b in the illumination devices 40a and 40b by dragging and deforming each of the curves 7362a and 7362b up and down at arbitrary portions. It is.

  According to the image reading system 1 in the third modification described above, the surface shape of the document 90 is changed to the read image by switching the illumination mode by the illumination devices 40a and 40b that illuminate the document 90 according to the user's request. You can adjust the impact of. Further, the GPU 73 adjusts the amount of light emitted from each of the light amount adjustment units 734a and 734b that accept adjustment of the amount of light emitted from the lighting devices 40a and 40b from the user and the plurality of light emitting elements 422a provided in the lighting device 40a. Since the light distribution adjustment units 736a and 736b received from the user are provided, the user can adjust the influence of the surface shape of the document 90 on the captured image.

C. Other embodiments:
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to such embodiment at all, Of course, it can implement with various forms within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. is there.

  For example, the image reading control process executed by the personal computer 20 may be executed using the main control unit 150 and the user interface 190 in the image scanner 10.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the flat bed type image scanner 10 has been described. However, in other embodiments, image scanners using other methods such as an automatic document feeding method, a handy method, and a drum method are used. In addition, the present invention can be applied to document reading apparatuses such as facsimiles, copiers, and multifunction machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image reading system 10 ... Image scanner 20 ... Personal computer 40a, 40b ... Illuminating device 51, 52, 53, 54 ... Reflector 55 ... Lens unit 56 ... Imaging device 90 ... Document 110 ... Main body housing 120 ... Cover housing DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 ... Original stand 132 ... Transparent part 140 ... Image reading part 142 ... Carriage 144 ... Conveyance mechanism part 146 ... Guide shaft 150 ... Main control part 180 ... Equipment interface 190 ... User interface 210 ... CPU
220 ... Storage device 230 ... Device interface 252 ... Display 254 ... Keyboard 256 ... Mouse 282 ... OS
284 ... Scanner driver 410 ... Illumination housing 420a, 420b ... Light emitting substrate 422a, 422b ... Light emitting element 430a, 430b ... Diffuser 432a, 432b ... Long surface 442a, 444a, 442b, 444b ... Reflector 701, 702, 703, 704 ... Input button 708 ... Execution button 709 ... Cancel button 715 ... Preceding image display unit 726, 727 ... Sample image display unit 732a, 732b ... Input button 734a, 734b ... Light amount adjustment unit 736a, 736b ... Light distribution adjustment unit 810 ... Image reading control Part 811 ... First mode part 812 ... Second mode part 814 ... Mode selection part 7342a ... Scale 7362a ... Curve

Claims (6)

A control device for controlling an image reading device for optically reading a document,
1st and 2nd illumination part provided in the said image reading apparatus, Comprising: The 1st and 2nd illumination which each forms a linear light emission area | region, and irradiates light to the said document from the direction which mutually cross | intersects A lighting control unit for controlling the unit,
The illumination control unit
A first mode unit for controlling the first and second illumination units in a first mode for irradiating the document on one of the first and second illumination units;
A second mode unit for controlling the first and second illumination units in a second mode in which both the first and second illumination units irradiate the original;
When reading the document optically, either of the first and second modes, see contains a mode selection unit for selecting, based on an instruction input from the user,
The mode selection unit includes a user interface unit that presents to the user a sample image predicted when the original is optically read in each of the first and second modes . The control device according to claim 1,
The mode selection unit further includes:
A preceding reading unit that acquires a preceding image obtained by optically reading the document in the second mode before the mode selection unit selects one of the first and second modes;
And a first user interface unit that presents the preceding image to the user and receives an instruction input for selecting one of the first and second modes from the user.   The mode selection unit further includes at least one of an amount of light emitted from each of the first and second illumination units and a distribution of light distributed in a light emitting region in each of the first and second illumination units. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second user interface unit that receives an instruction input for adjusting the user from the user. An image reading apparatus for optically reading a document,
First and second illuminating units each forming a linear light emitting region and irradiating the original with light from directions intersecting each other;
An illumination control unit for controlling the first and second illumination units,
The illumination control unit
A first mode unit for controlling the first and second illumination units in a first mode for irradiating the document on one of the first and second illumination units;
A second mode unit for controlling the first and second illumination units in a second mode in which both the first and second illumination units irradiate the original;
When reading the document optically, either of the first and second modes, see contains a mode selection unit for selecting, based on an instruction input from the user,
The mode selection unit includes an image reading device including a user interface unit that presents a sample image predicted when the original is optically read in each of the first and second modes to the user . A program for causing a computer to realize a function of controlling an image reading apparatus that optically reads a document,
The computer includes first and second illumination units provided in the image reading device, each of which forms a linear light emitting region and irradiates the original with light from directions intersecting each other. 2 is a program for realizing a lighting control function for controlling the two lighting units,
The lighting control function is:
A function of controlling the first and second illumination units in a first mode of irradiating the document on one of the first and second illumination units;
A function of controlling the first and second illumination units in a second mode in which the document is irradiated by both the first and second illumination units;
When reading the document optically, either of the first and second modes, see contains a selection function of selecting, based on an instruction input from the user,
The selection function includes a function of presenting a sample image predicted when the original is optically read in each of the first and second modes to the user by controlling a user interface unit. ,program. A control method for controlling an image reading apparatus for optically reading a document,
The computer includes first and second illumination units provided in the image reading device, each of which forms a linear light emitting region and irradiates the original with light from directions intersecting each other. Including an illumination control step for controlling the illumination section of 2;
In the illumination control step, when the document is optically read, both the first mode and the second illumination unit irradiate the document with one of the first and second illumination units. in one of the second mode for illuminating the document, look including a selection step of selecting, based on an instruction input from the user,
The control method includes a step of presenting a sample image predicted when the original is optically read in each of the first and second modes to the user through a user interface unit .